For years, the common belief was diet had absolutely no effect on acne.
Turns out, it may have been wrong.
Researchers believe carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which cause glucose and insulin levels to spike, may influence the development and severity of acne. Conversely, a diet high in protein and carbohydrates with a low glycemic index seemed to improve acne breakouts.
Researchers divided forty-three males, between the ages of 15 and 25, into two groups. One group was given foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grain breads and pasta, legumes, as well as high protein foods. The second group was fed a more “typical” teenage diet consisting of white bread, potatoes, and sugary drinks and snacks.
The results, researchers say, were astounding. After 12 weeks, the boys in the high protein-low glycemic index group showed a fifty percent reduction of acne. The results seem to suggest a link between diet and acne development.
What This Means to You
This study is intriguing, as it challenges the long-held beliefs regarding diet and acne. Interesting as the results are, they are preliminary and more research needs to be done.
So, is diet alone going to clear your acne? Probably not. However, a healthy (eating foods that have not been processed) diet will certainly improve your overall health and skin conditions.
Instead of highly processed foods, try incorporating more whole grains (such as whole wheat bread, wheat pastas, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.) into your diet, as well as plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Limit the amount of soda, sugary snacks, and other “junk foods” whenever possible. You have nothing to lose, and a healthy body to gain. And possibly clearer skin, too.
Your skin receives nutrients after the rest of the organs have had their share. It is important to make sure that you take in enough nutrients to supply your skin with the elements necessary for a healthy glow. It may be no surprise that diet is on the top of the list of acne tips because your skin suffers greatly when your diet is inadequate.
Our diet in America consists mainly of “junk foods” if you want to Take Back Your Health it is recommended that you start with The 16 Steps to Optimum Health:
- Cleanse, detox, and rebuild your intestinal system.
- Add beneficial microorganisms to your digestive system.
- Supplement each meal with good, live enzymes: enzymes = LIFE.
- Clean up your diet.
- Take supplements. (They’re mandatory these days.)
- Use high-quality, ultra-potent herbs.
- Use “the ultimate antioxidant” to fight free radicals.
- Balance hormone levels naturally.
- Drink high-quality water: lots of it.
- Eliminate intake of toxic substances.
- Cleanse your liver and blood.
- Optimize your immune system (and maximize your good health).
- Discipline your mind.
- Exercise (or die).
- Charge your body (and prevent disease) with scalar energy nutrition.
- Do everything to prevent cancer.
Another of the acne tips that relate to diet involves fatty acids. Your body uses fatty acids to produce linoleic acid, a valuable nutrient for your skin. Many believe that acne occurs when you have a linoleic deficiency. The association between fatty acids and clear skin is not etched in stone, but it is a good strategy to add to the acne tips, especially when you have tried everything else.
Most of the acne tips revolve around diet, but there are a few things you can do to lessen the occurrence of breakouts. Make sure that any towel that touches your face is bacteria-free. Using a new towel each time you wash your face is ideal. Also, changing your pillowcase every other night will benefit your complexion. Remember that sweatbands, hats and other things that you wear on your head can carry bacteria. Keeping these items clean is a reasonable addition to the acne tips.
See The Acne Skin Reporter
Read Full Post »